By Godwin Nzemeka
AHEAD of the forthcoming local government elections in the state, slated to hold on Saturday July 13, 2024, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered massive deployment of officers and men to ensure a hitch free exercise.
In a press release signed by the command’s spokesman, Supol Bright Edafe, he noted the Command in synergy with other sister agencies has deployed personnel across all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch free exercise, as well as protect the electorates, and DSIEC officials. He stated that Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways to ensure that the state is peaceful during the election.
Supol Bright explained there will be restriction of vehicular movement from 0800hours (8AM) to 1500 hours (3PM) on July 13, 2024, while only officials on emergency and essential duties which include accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage.
He maintained that during the period, NABTEB examination students are also exempted from the restriction of movement order, stressing that while regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are advised to adhere to this instruction as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
As stated in the press release, the ban on VIP escorts during the election will be enforced, as VIP’s are not allowed to move with their security details on Election Day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly.
Supol Bright declared the CP also advised all non-state actors (vigilante, anti-cult volunteers, hunters etc.) that they will not be playing any role whatsoever during the elections, as any of them found meddling in the election process will be decisively dealt with.
He emphasized that while the CP urges all residents to be law-abiding, members of the public should be rest assured that the command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property, as well as the preservation of public tranquillity before, during, and after the elections.
